A sudden fall can cause much more than a few bruises. A serious accident can leave you dealing with significant pain and an extended period away from work. At the same time, medical expenses can accumulate while you try to figure out how you will pay your bills.
If unsafe property conditions caused your accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the responsible party. We will identify who may be responsible and pursue the financial recovery you need.
Kevin McManus Law Injury and Disability Attorneys has recovered millions of dollars for people hurt because of someone else’s negligence. Call for a free consultation and learn how our personal injury lawyers in Topeka deliver results you deserve from a firm you can trust.
Should You Take a Settlement After a Slip and Fall?
After an accident, it can be tempting to accept an insurance company’s offer and move forward. Unfortunately, determining the true value of a fall injury is rarely that straightforward. Some injuries require weeks or months of treatment before their full effects become apparent.
An early settlement may not account for these future consequences. Insurance companies know this, and their initial offers are often much less than what you deserve. Taking an early payment is usually in their best interest, not yours.
Our slip-and-fall accident attorneys in Topeka will take over communications with insurers and work to build a claim supported by evidence. Our slip-and-fall lawyers will investigate the accident, document your losses, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Get the compensation you deserve with trusted legal guidance.
When is a Property Owner Liable for a Fall?
Kansas property owners and other parties responsible for maintaining premises may have legal duties to address dangerous conditions. Liability depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident, including what the property owner knew or reasonably should have known about the hazard.
- A fall can occur when water, grease, or another slippery substance is left on a walking surface.
- Uneven flooring, cracked pavement, or damaged sidewalks can create dangerous conditions that cause someone to trip and fall.
- Poorly maintained stairs or damaged handrails can make it difficult for people to safely navigate a property and may contribute to a serious fall.
- Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see hazards and increase the risk of a slip, trip, or fall.
- Debris or other objects left in walkways can create unexpected obstacles that cause someone to trip and suffer an injury.
A successful claim generally requires evidence connecting the unsafe condition to your accident and injuries. Our slip-and-fall attorneys can examine the circumstances and determine whether the available evidence supports a premises liability claim.
What Damages May Be Available in a Slip-and-Fall Case?
The amount of compensation in a slip-and-fall case depends on the nature of your injury, the circumstances of the accident, and the losses you experience. There is no universal settlement amount that applies to every case.
- Emergency treatment and other medical expenses may be recoverable when an injury requires immediate attention or ongoing medical care.
- The costs of hospitalization, diagnostic testing, and visits with physicians can become a significant part of the damages claimed after a serious fall.
- If you need physical therapy or other rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility, those treatment costs may be included in your claim.
- Compensation may also cover prescription medications as well as medical treatment you are expected to need in the future.
- Being unable to work while recovering can result in substantial lost income, which may be included among your recoverable damages.
- When an injury permanently affects your ability to work or earn the same income, you may also be entitled to compensation for diminished future earning capacity.
- The physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries can have a lasting impact and may be considered when calculating your non-economic damages.
- Our slip-and-fall attorneys may also be able to recover compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, and other ways the injury has negatively affected your quality of life.
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are different from compensation for ordinary losses and may apply when particularly serious misconduct is involved. Our lawyers for slip-and-fall accidents will explain whether they may be relevant to your circumstances.
What Happens After You File a Slip-and-Fall Claim?
Filing a claim or lawsuit does not mean your case will go to trial. In many cases, we will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If the insurance company does not offer reasonable compensation, we will take the next step and represent you in court.
Kansas law imposes deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Under K.S.A. § 60-513, a two-year statute of limitations generally applies to many personal injury claims, although exceptions may affect how and when the deadline is calculated.
Speaking with our Topeka slip-and-fall accident lawyers as soon as possible can help protect your right to pursue compensation.
We’ll help you appeal and secure your rightful benefits.
Consult With Our Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorneys in Topeka
You shouldn’t have to pay for injuries that result from unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. If you fell at a business, someone else’s home, or any place where safety was the other person’s responsibility, it’s important to explore your legal options.
Contesting insurance company pushback is one of the most important things a personal injury lawyer is for. Our slip-and-fall accident attorneys in Topeka will help ensure that you recover the compensation that fully addresses your hardships.
Kevin McManus Law brings more than six decades of combined legal experience to the representation of injured Kansas residents. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Our team is on your side.